Those arent reasons to be cast. And asking strangers isn't research or showing how well you know bway.
The only thing that should matter is if you fit the director's vision of who she is. And since you won't likely know what that is, you will have to make the best choices you can.
I've been a HS director for almost 3 decades and have never cast a student base on what they knew/chose/wanted. I cast them because they are the best choice.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.